Accelerating device for gaseous and liquid media

ABSTRACT

A DEVICE HAVING A HOLLOW PRESSURE MEMBER INCLUDING FOUR SIDE SEGMENTS WHICH FORM A PRESSURE CHAMBER HVING A PARALLELOGRAM SHAPE AND CROSS SECTION IS PROVIDED FOR ACCELERATING A FLUID MEDIUM. EACH OF THE SIDE SEGMENTS IS ARTICULATED WITH RESPECT TO THE SEGMENTS ADJACENT THERETO, THEREBY FORMING A COLLAPSIBLE AND EXPANDABLE PRESSURE CHAMBER. MEANS ARE PROVIDED TO MOVE THE ARTICULATED SIDE SEGMENTS WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER FOR CAUSING THE MOVEMENT OF THE FLUID MEDIUM INTO AND OUT OF THE PRESSURE CHAMBER. A DIAPHRAGM MEANS IS DISPOSED WITHIN THE CHAMBER AND EXTENDS ACROSS AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE CROSS-SECTION OF THE PRESSURE CHAMBER.

Feb. 9, 1971 w ACHERMANN ETAL 3,561,892

ACCELERATING DEVICE FOR GASEOUS AND LIQUID MEDIA Filed Feb. 13, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N VENTOR 5 WERNER AcHe-zmzwz/ Q FRANZ AcHE/e v BY f g, WW Ila/Am ATTORNEYS 1971 w. ACHERMANN ETAL 3,561,892

ACCELERATING DEVICE FOR GASEOUS AND LIQUID MEDIA Filed Feb. 13, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Nam/5e ACHEIMANN 9- FRANZ ACl/ERMA/VA/ BY "M ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 9, 1971 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 3,561,892 Th ACCELERATING DEVICE FOR GASEOUS e drawing reflects examples of possible designs AND LIQUID MEDIA based on the object of invention: Werner Achermann and Franz Achermann, [10th of 1 IS a top VIGW Of the contraption in accordance Rumlangstrasse 7, Zurich, Switzerland With its initial design, Filed Feb. 13, 1969, Ser. No. 798,966 FIG. 2 is a side view of same, Claims P y, pP g i 1963, FIG. 3 is a front view of the contraption in the direc- IHLYCL F01], 19/0 F041) 39/10;F16i 3/00 t1on of arrow III in FIG. 2 in operating position for U 5 Cl 417-566 12 Claims plnmg acnon FIG. 4 is a front view of the contraption in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 1 in operating position for pressing action,

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE FIG. 5 is a top view of the contraption in accordance A device having a hollow pressure member including with the Second desigh Valuation,

four side segments which form a pressure chamber 6 1s a h FIG operatmg Posltlon having a parallelogram shape and cross section is pro of the COBPTaPUOH P h vided for accelerating a fluid medium. Each of the side 7 1S a f' FIG 1h opel'atlhg Poslhoh segments is articulated with respect to the segments of the eohtraphoh Pulhhg action,

adjacent thereto, thereby forming a collapsible and ex- 0 8 i a Contraption in accordance pandable pressure chamber. Means are provided to move Wlth the thlrd deslgh Varlahoh,

the articulated side segments with respect to each other 9 is a e View of F 8 h Operating Position for causing the movement of the fluid medium into and of the eohtfaptloll P aetlon; out of the pressure chamber. A diaphragm means is 10 1s a from Vlew of 8 1h Operating P disposed within the chamber and extends across at least tion of e f p f Pulling i a portion of the cross section f the pressure Chamben FIG. 11 IS a side view of the contraption in accordance with a fourth design variation,

FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 11 in the position providing for the largest volume between the suction BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION and discharge phase,

FIG. 13 is a front view of the contraption in accordance with a fifth design variation,

FIG. 14 is a front view of the contraption in accordance with a sixth design variation.

Along with the increasing significance of the fireplace brought on by modern living standards, the significance of the bellows is also gaining ground gain. Bellows of the type and shape customary during centuries are ofiered in a wide range on the marked again to add with their DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS ornamental designs to the beauty of any fireplace. But

even the simplest designs available on the market are The desigh Variations reflected in the drawings Show relatively expensive because their production is accomthe aeeelemhhghevlee Q a Set of bellows deslghed to panied by many a problem a d i l id bl produce a continuous air current suitable to fan firemanual wo k in o cases places, or to be used as a toy or as a refreshing means It is diflicult with open-air fireplaces set up at camp during the hot SeaSOH- down during walking and climbing tours as well as with e7fample e e 1n FIGS- 1 to are eeneemed barbecue grill to get a charcoal fire properly gOing withwith design variations of the contraption fashioned of out the aid of belows. The need for an economy-priced eorfugated eaYdh0aT dt0 4 a deslgn efficient set of bellows has significantly increased for all U011 0f the eontraptlofl Wlth shghtly eonleal eohfiguratloll the e a towards the air outlet. The latter is made up of two Bellows of conventional design are of little use with e Cardboard Sections z'alld Section modern requirements not only for price considerations 15 of exaetlyhle Same Shape SeetlOH 130th C P but mainly for their rather limited efficiency. All previous have a fleXlhg feld eXtelldlhg over then longltlldmal systems utilize a narrow air nozzle which only provides Center 11I1e 6 fielhng folds 7 extehdlhg Over for limited air blast distribution, moreover, they only the lhllg-slde dg whlch Interconnect sectl ns 2 react to the pressure output provided by the bellows 3, IeSPeCtIVeIY, 1H addltlon hohdlhg edges action. Section 1, 2 is connected with section 3, 4 by way of This invention is applicable, for example, to provide hohding edges whereby Segments 2 4, P for a set of bellows which, at extensively simplified tlvely, are Connected Wlth each other y fleXlhg folds 6 structural arrangement, has a high efficiency rating and and, at bonding ges 8 by flexing folds, thus forming is able to produce a uniform air current attacking a a hollow body of Prlsmatle cross Seehonwhen 111 the wide area, position providing for the largest volume of the contraption, segments 1, 2, .3, 4 are each facing at an SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION angle of 90 degrees as is, for example, reflected in FIGS.

11 to 14. The extended ends of the bonding edges form This accelerating device for gaseous and liquid media the handles 9 which, by way of pulling or pressing is according to the invention featured by the fact that action, for the collapsing of the contraption across a parallelogram is intended to form the hollow body a median plane extending through handles 9 or across and pressure members, with the parallelogram made up a median plane extending vertically to the handles. The of articulated angle sides with handles attached to at air present in the contraption is displaced by each of least two opposing joint locations, the angle sides of the two folding movements and is, for lack of back which, when in end position, lie fiat against each other, pressure, discharged to both sides. By way of installation so that, at the manipulation of the handles, the paralleloof a collapsible backpressure diaphragm 10 at one end gram is alternated, thus enlarging or reducing its hollow of the hollow body, to act as a backpressure value, the cell thereby producing a subsequent pressure or suction air current can only escape in one direction from the eifect on the media present in the hollow cell. hollow body. In the case represented herein, backpressure diaphragm 10 is made up of a two-wing cardboard sheet collapsible across center fold 11, which is attached by way of the two bonding edges 12 at an angle of 45 degrees towards the articulated axles to the planes 3, 4. The arrangement of the backpressure diaphragm 10, collapsible across center line 11, provides for the diaphragm to be flattened when handles 9 are pulled apart, and to be collapsed when handles 9 are pressed together, whereby the fiat as well as the collapsed position ofathe diaphragm and the position of largest volume of the contraption yield sufficient backpressure. Successive pull-push-action at the handles 9 will produce a continuous air current, most useful to fan a wood or charcoal fire. The outlet of the contraption to provide for the air exit is relatively large so that a wide area can be attacked by a uniform air current. The production of this contraption of corrugated cardboard is highly economical, rendering it particularly useful for gift purposes or, because of the large printing surface area, advertising projects.

Design variation according to FIGS. to 7 forms a hollow body with a parallelogrammatic cross section with rectangular instead of trapeze-shaped segments 1, 2, 3, 4. This design avoids a reduction of the cross section of the air outlet, thus producing a more gentle air current.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show an extremely short version of the contraption which, in folded condition, requires a minimum of space and could, if intended to be used as a fan during the hot season, easily be carried in a ladys handbag.

The contraption shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is designed to serve as a set of bellows to be made of high-grade wood, standard wood, plastic or synthetic material,'

aerated plastics components with protective coating etc. instead of corrugated cardboard. Segments 1, 2 or 3, 4, respectively, are interconnected by sticking tapes 15 and 16, and attached to the handle strips by sticking tapes 17. Sticking tapes 17 are inserted with their ends in sandwich-fashion between the handle strip sections, cut in half for this purpose 18. 10 identifies the air backpressure diaphragm which, in this case, is, in contrast to the previous design variations, attached with its bonding edges 12 to the segments 2, 4, hinged to handle 9, so that flexing fold 11 of the diaphragm comes to rest in the plane of the handles 9.

With design variation according to FIG. 13, the segments of the hollow body with the parallelogrammatic cross section can also be made of high-grade wood, standard wood, plywood, plastic or synthetic material, aerated hard-plastics components with protective coating etc. as is the case with design variations to FIGS. 11 and 12. Hinges 25, 26 or 27, respectively, serve to provide articulated connection of segments 1, 2 and 3, 4, respectively, and the handle-halves 28, held together by screws 29. Handle-halves 28 are bonded together with glue or screws.

The design variation according to FIG. 14 differs from that shown in FIG. 13 in that the handles are made of one piece and the hinges between the handles and the segments are visibly screwed or riveted to the outside of the handles and segments. These visible portions of the hinges may be covered with trim strips.

At least the outer surfaces of the hollow bodies or the segments, respectively, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 and handles 9 could be coated with metal foil, aluminium for example, or with a suitable paint. Springs could also be fitted at the moving joints so as to simplify the opening and closing with the aid of elastic forces.

This accelerating device utilizable as a set of bellows is operated by pull-push-action with the aid of two opposing handles and is, thus, delivering a continuous air current. In collapsed condition, this contraption requires an insignificant amount of storage space in the baggage and is therefore given preference on walking tours.

Thanks to its efficiency, this accelerating device, when designed to serve as a blowing instrument or a set of bellows, should be given preference over conventional systems and is able to compete in places where luxurious models are in demand, namely in modern flats equipped with fireplaces. The geometrically sober and clean design adds to the ornamental value of this invented bellows system. When made of high-grade wood adorned with ornaments and decorative components or painted in various colour schemes, this contraption could be designed into an attractive gift article. The economy model, made for example of corrugated cardboard, could be used as a very effective advertising means because of its large printable surface areas.

A further and ideal mode of application is provided by the collapsible character of the design in that this contraption could be used as a fan during the hot season. The advantage of this set of bellows over conventional fans is, that it can be manually operated from lap level to provide a comfortable continuous air current.

Another likely application would be the use of this contraption as a toy or sports device, be it for balloon games where the balloon is driven by the air current skyways, or a confetti gun, or a wind-wheel painted in attractive colours and mounted at the air outlet of the set of bellows. But this contraption could also be used in connection with water, either to produce a water current or, when equipped for backpressure with heart-type valves, as a swimming aid.

This heart-type valve should preferably be made up of at least one sail of synthetic material, coated fabric or any other type of suitable material.

The moving joints could also be designed as snap or pin joints which would offer particular advantages with models made of synthetic material.

The application for other purposes and in technology is also close at hand.

What we claim is:

1. A device for accelerating 'a fluid medium compris- (a) a hollow pressure member having four side segments which form a pressure chamber having a parallelogram shape in cross-section,

(b) each said side segment being articulated with respect to the side segments adjacent thereto forming a collapsible and expandable pressure chamber,

(c) means to move the articulated side segments with respect to each other for causing the movement of the fluid medium into and out of the pressure chamher, and

(d) a diaphragm means disposed within said chamber and extending across at least a portion of the crosssec'tion of the pressure chamber.

2. A device as defined in claim 12 wherein:

each said side segment is composed of a flat segment and the flat segments are flexibly joined together along their edges.

3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes handles oppositely disposed with respect to each other on the outside of said pressure member to manipulate the articulated sides.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein said handles are located at opposing articulation points between the edges of adjacent sides.

5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm means includes a two-wing sheet that is collapsible across a center fold.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said two-wing sheet includes two bonding edges which are attached to two adjacent articulated sides within the chamber,

said bonding edges extending in a direction at an angle of degrees with respect to the articulated edges of said two adjacent articulated sides whereby the twowing sheet moves from a folded position to a stretched flat position when the articulated sides are moved with respect to each other.

7. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow pressure member tapers down toward one end thereof.

8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said hollow pressure member is composed of two corrugated cardboard sections,

each section includes two of the side segments joined together by a fold in the cardboard and one-half of handle members constituting the moving means located on opposed edges of the cardboard sections and being joined to the adjacent side segment by a fold in the cardboard,

said handle member halves of one of the corrugated cardboard sections being bonded to corresponding handle member halves of the other cardboard section to form the hollow pressure member.

9. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the articulated side segments are joined with tapes of adhesive ma terial.

10. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the articulated side segments are joined with hinges.

11. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein at least the outer surfaces of the hollow pressure member are coated with metal foil.

12. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm means is a back pressure valve that is formed by a heart-valve-type collapsible sail.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS CARLTON R. CROYLE, Primary Examiner W. J. GOODLIN, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 9289, 90 

